Dorothy Gillespie: Retrospective Color in Motion
The Cornell Art Museum in collaboration with the Dorothy Gillespie Foundation proudly presents the works and history of the 20th century American Artist, Dorothy Gillespie! Ms. Gillespie’s career spanned seven decades and was always in the forefront of the American Art movement. A leader in women’s art movement, Dorothy Gillespie’s work incorporated significant 20th century trends in art. Works include abstract expressionism, decorative abstraction, site-specific installations and art in public spaces. She was a pioneer in the new directions of metal sculpture and best known for large-scale, highly colorful painted arrangements of cut aluminum strips radiating, undulating, or curling in giant arrangements of ribbon, enchanted towers, and even the burst of fireworks pieces.
A celebrated, highly collected artist, Ms. Gillespie’s prolific works have graced many institutions, museums, colleges, universities and public places. She was one of the first artists to offer her art to the world through displays in the lobbies of public institutions and governmental centers such as the Mayo Clinic, Epcot Center, Warren Wilson College, Fort Lauderdale Airport-Delta Terminal, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, St. Marks School-Dallas, United States Mission to the United Nations, Miami Public Library, Court House Square-Roanoke, VA.
The Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation, administered by its President, Gary Gillespie Isreal, son of Dorothy Gillespie, fosters the legacy of Dorothy Gillespie’s life and work. The Foundation supports artists, initiatives, and institutions that embody the same innovative, inclusive multidisciplinary approach that Dorothy Gillespie exemplified in both her art and philanthropic endeavors.
•October 18, 6-8pm - Exhibition Opening, Free Admission with $5 suggested donation, Live Music and refreshments
•Cornell Art Museum installation will encompass the two story Atrium and all 3 lower level galleries.
•Mid-November 2025: Special Screening of Dorothy Gillespie documentary “Dorothy Gillespie: Courage, Independence and Color” about her life and legacy. Her son, Gary Israel, will narrate and offer a Q&A session following the movie.
•Collaborations to be announced with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
•Children’s Art Workshops to be announced with Artist and Author, Michelle Sherman
FREE Registration link coming soon…
Visit Dorothy Gillespie’s work at the Cornell Art Museum. Dorothy Gillespie: Color in Motion on view starting October 18, 2025 to March, 15 2026.
Curated by Marusca Gatto